Turns Out Women Are Actually Safer Than Men Behind The Wheel

RAA Insurance survey results are in

Women cause less car crashes than men, according to the latest figures from RAA Insurance.

RAA’s Crash Report 2017 survey found male drivers made more “at fault’’ insurance claims than females on a per capita basis.

Across the past 12 months, men were responsible for 54% of collisions compared to 46% of women, RAA Insurance claims data has revealed.

The figures come as the state’s road toll showed more men (52) have died in the first eight months of this year compared to the same time last year (33).

Comparatively, SA state government figures show the number of women who died in the same period has decreased from 20 to 16.

RAA Insurance Senior Manager Claims Hayley Cain said men run greater risks on the road, with police figures showing they are more likely to speed, drink and drive and not wear a seatbelt.

Keeping that in mind, messages around road safety apply to all motorists, regardless of gender or age.

“We urge drivers to stay focused on the road no matter their experience and to be considerate of other drivers at all times,’’ said Ms Cain.

Ms Cain urged motorists to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them and be aware that stopping distances were greater in wet weather.

“Do not assume you know what drivers around you will do,” she added.

“Many times our members have told us they drove into the back of another vehicle, because the driver in front had made a sudden stop or unexpected manoeuvre.’’

The survey found attitudes towards driving also varied among the sexes. Twice as many women motorists (37%) were concerned about elderly drivers than men (16%), while only a third of females felt safe around large vehicles compared to 46% of males.

Male drivers were more worried than women about other motorists who were uninsured (84% compared to 75% respectively) and unregistered (87% compared to 78%).